The Know-How You Need for a Japanese Road Trip

Tired of dealing with train schedules, plane ticket reservations, or even catching a cold from a sick seatmate during your Japanese travels? Well, renting a car gives you freedom on a new level, and with an international license you can start your trip around Japan whenever you please. Don't miss out on the convenience because you're nervous about finding your way, or dealing with tolls. Just let us fill you in on the best way to start, it's all pretty easy. You'll be confidently racing down the roads of Japan in no time.

Get All the Need-to-Know Info Before You Go, Take Advantage of DoRaPuRa (ドラぷら)

How does a trip wandering through Japan sound? You can head north, find your way among the small towns scattered throughout the Japanese countryside, and search out all the hidden gems hidden within. It seems a little silly to get stuck in just one or two cities when you're traveling all the way to Japan, which is why the popularity of rental car trips has been growing in recent years. Whether you're a solo traveler who likes the spontaneity afforded by road trips, a family with little kids, or a group with lots of luggage, driving is pretty convenient.

We do get that it can be a little intimidating to navigate roads, maps, and signs you've never seen before, though. They can be totally unfamiliar, and Japan's toll system doesn't exactly help, either. But that's why we always rely on a handy little website called DoRaPuRa (Drive Plaza) during our road trips. It guides us through all the trials and tribulations of getting on the road, and in the right direction, all in English. Let us show you around some of the tools that help make our trips super easy, and will help you as well. (Plus, some of the best places to drive in Japan!)

Image Source: DoRaPuRa Website

Totally free and super convenient, DoRaPuRa is kind of a one-stop-shop for all your expressway driving needs. The website has all kinds of information on pretty vital topics like Japanese tolls and routes, distances, and travel times. There's even information on Japan's rest stops. If you really want to take advantage of the site, DoRaPuRa has all the details on an expressway access pass that makes tolls one flat fee, only available to foreign visitors in Japan. (It's a pretty good deal!)

Head to DoRaPuRa for all the information you need, all in English.

How to Get Going

Just to begin, here are some reasons why we think rental cars make sense in Japan:

1. Convenience. Don't get held back by endless train and bus transfers, rental cars give you the freedom to go where you want, when you want.

2. Safety. Lots of visitors are impressed with the safety of Japan's roads, thanks to strict licensing standards and high fines for reckless driving. You can contribute to that safety by learning more about Japan's road rules.

3. Fun! Not only is driving convenient, but it gives you access to Japan's uniquely cool rest stop service areas. With genuinely tasty food, local specialties, and souvenirs, they're worth a look.

If the car rental part is what's got you tripped up, we've written a bit about that before.

Tolls? Interchanges? Expressway Routes? No Worries!

The routes and tolls are understandably a confusing part of driving around Japan for the first time, but with a little planning, it'll all be a breeze. Just do what we do, type your destination into the DoRaPuRa route and toll search before you go, and you'll have all the details you need.

Don't Overpay at the Tolls, You've Got Better Uses for That Cash

Admittedly, Japan's expressway tolls can be pretty pricey. When just the trip from Tokyo to Kanazawa (564 km, 350 miles) costs you 12,970 yen, a cross-country road trip on the expressways can end up being more than plane tickets. But that's no reason to avoid driving! Because there's an easy solution to this problem: go for the JEP, or Japan Expressway Pass.

Image Source: DoRaPuRa Website

Made just for foreign tourists, the JEP lets you travel freely across Japan's expressways, for just a flat fee.

If you know about the JR pass from Japan Rail, then you'll get how the JEP works as well. Where the JR pass gives you free access to almost any JR train for a one-time fee, the JEP lets you take almost any road! See the official page for eligibility and validity information.

The JEP comes in two varieties: 7 day passes for 20,000 yen, and 14 day passes for 34,000 yen.

Compare those prices to standard toll fees...

① Narita Airport → Kenroku-en Garden (via Kanazawa-nishi IC) = one-way 12,970 yen (564 km, 350 miles)
② Narita Airport → Mt. Fuji (via Kawaguchiko IC) = one-way 5,810 yen (227 km, 141 miles)

And you'll see that two trips is all it would take to get your money's worth. If you're heading out on a real road trip, the 7-day pass would basically give you 5 extra days of free driving. Plus, you never have to worry about whether a part of your trip is cost-effective. Just go, if you want! Check here to see what other tolls are like without the pass. It's already an economical option for solo travelers, and that only gets better with larger groups.

See More on the JEP at DoRaPuRa

All the rules and regulations, plus the options and benefits, are written out in clear English on the website, so check out the details on this road trip must-have.

Image Source: DoRaPuRa Website


Getting the JEP:

① Check in with car rental companies that handle the JEP; there's a list on the official webpage. You can't always return your JEP-system rental car to every single location, so a quick double-check beforehand is a good idea.
② Reserve your car and ETC card (electronic toll collection card). Ask the rental car dealer for information on all the rentals available! (The JEP can only be used with "ordinary vehicles," though, so only regular-sized passenger vehicles.) The ETC cards are simple and easy to use, as you can see here.
③ Simply complete your JEP application the day you rent the car! The whole system and agreement is easily explained at the same time as you get your new rental vehicle. You can also pay in advance, making the whole process a breeze.
④ Pick up your car and ETC card.

⑤ ... and get going! Enjoy Japan; feel the freedom of the open roads!

⑥ When you're all done, return your car and ETC card. If your trip did take you along one of the roads that isn't covered by the flat fee, you just pay the additional tolls when you return the car, making it all a smooth, simple process.

Get your rental car right at the airport, there are plenty available at both Haneda and Narita.

Don't worry if you're still a little confused about how the ETC card works, they'll walk you through anything you need to know when you rent your car.

Slide your ETC card in and get onto the road!

Experience a Little Japanese Road Trip Culture

If you're looking into driving around Japan, you might have heard the terms PA and SA describing rest stops. These are "parking areas" and then "service areas" where you can also fill up your tank. These spots obviously have the vital rest stop facilities: parking lots, places to get out of your car and walk around, bathrooms... but they're usually a level above what you might expect. Rather than just a "parking area", a Japanese PA or SA might have some pretty good restaurants and interesting shops, where you can pick up fun local souvenirs. Some of these are really roadside attractions in and of themselves.

Some drivers even plan whole trips around the rest areas! DoRaPuRa has a search function that lets you find rest stops on every expressway in Japan, so you can see what might fit into your itinerary. 

An Impressive Rest Stop Outside Tokyo

Around Tokyo, rest stops are divided between "nobori" (上り) and "kudari" (下り) stops. Historically the people of Japan have referred to going towards Tokyo as "nobori", which means ascending, and away from Tokyo as "kudari", descending. Sometimes this is translated into English as such-and-such PA/SA "up" or "down."

We found this PA in Saitama, heading towards Tokyo (and about an hour away). The Hanyu PA's kudari section is very lovely, we're sure, but fairly standard. "Hanyu Up" on the other hand, is not to be missed! Through architecture and design, the whole places looks like an Edo Period town, complete with marketplace and old-fashioned restaurants. You might lose track of which century you're really in.

The basis for this particular "Edo Town" is actually fictional, based on the historical novel (turned TV show, movie, etc) "Onihei Hankacho" by Shotaro Ikenami. This section of the PA is actually called "Onihei Edo Dokoro" (鬼平江戸処) in honor of its inspiration.





Food Fit for a Feudal Lord

Take a break and pretend you're an Edo Period samurai with your traditional meal in the rest stop food court.

This Local Market Sells Souvenirs!

At first glance you might think you've stumbled upon a small village's local market here in the Hanyu PA, but it turns out it's a souvenir shop. With traditional Japanese sweets, a popular souvenir in Japan, along with fun things like samurai-themed mugs, there are gifts to bring home to any history lovers in your life.

• Ippon Udon (一本うどん)

  This impressive single-noodle udon has come up before, because it really is crazy and amazing. This restaurant's novelty udon is served as a solid hunk of noodle, with a texture a little like mochi.

• 

  Ebisu-yaki Manju (えびす焼)

  
  These smiling little cakes actually bear the bearded faces of the Shinto god Ebisu, so hopefully a bite will bring you into contact with anko, custard, and a little bit of luck.
  
  

  

• Riceball Sampler Lunch Box

  
  

  Try a taste of Japanese cuisine on the road (or maybe five tastes!) with these little riceballs, all made with different kinds of rice. 

  
  

  You've Arrived in Japan! Where to Now? Don't Just Stick to Tokyo!

  

  
  With the rental car lots at both Tokyo airports, it's a breeze to start there and then go wherever you like! This time, we're recommending a route that wanders through Japan and ends up in the north, a few hours from Tokyo.
  
  The Tohoku region makes up the northernmost part of Japan's main island, with six prefectures (Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata). More rural than the Tokyo area, northern Japan is a great place to recharge your batteries. Look out the window on your drive and you'll get an eye full of picturesque mountains, rivers, and many, many rice paddies. Tohoku is also home to a number of hot springs (or onsen (温泉) in Japanese) where you'll feel your stress just float away in the steaming water. Plus, thanks to the great natural resources, the food there is pretty fresh and delicious!

  
  It's such a lovely area, we've written about Tohoku plenty of times before.
  
  If you're looking for some ideas to inspire your next Japanese road trip, our little itinerary includes five of the Tohoku prefectures, plus a few surrounding regions (Nagano & Yamanashi) you might find yourself in as you ride the highways. See which sparks your interest, and then customize the perfect trip for you! Then get your rental car, your ETC card, your Japan Expressway Pass, and let's go!

1. Tochigi (栃木県): Hot Springs & Cute Animals

Tochigi's 16 most entertaining destinations have been a topic of discussion before, and it's still an area of Japan that deserves more attention! If you've got the convenience of a car at your fingertips, don't pass over Tochigi like so many other travelers.

The Hot Springs of Nasushiobara

Enjoy the calming noise of the river running by while you soak in the hot natural spring water.

Nasu Animal Kingdom

Nasu Animal Kingdom isn't just any zoo; they offer lots of chances to make some new furry friends, like this capybara.

Irohazaka Slope (いろは坂)

Looping its way through Nikko, Tochigi, the road on Irohazaka Slope is like a snake slithering through the foliage.

2. Fukushima (福島県): Snowy Countryside

Japan is proud of its four seasons, and Fukushima offers Tohoku offers some of Japan's top-ranking views of autumn foliage and winter wonderlands. Slowly sip and savor the flavor of Tadami's natural mineral water as you make your way through the mountains.

Tadami Bridge

During the colder months of the year, this romantic view of Tadami Bridge, and the train passing by, is not to be missed.

3. Miyagi (宮城県): Playful Foxes & Local Cuisine

Mt. Zao in Miyagi Prefecture is home to an impressive lake formed from a volcanic crater, "Okama" (御釜, literally just a word for volcanic crater), which might be why it's one of Japan's top mountains. Part of the lake's beauty is the water's shifting colors, depending on the angle of the sun.

Nearby is Zao Onsen Village, another great place to enjoy Japanese onsen.

Head towards Sendai to find one of Japan's three most scenic spots, Matsushima, or skip the scenic view and gaze into the eyes of the adorable kits of Zao Fox Village (キツネ村)! Try grilled beef tongue before leaving the area!



Look at that face!

 

A look at the local grilled beef tongue.

4. Yamagata (山形県): Soba, Hot Springs, Autumn Leaves, and More

You'll find this dramatic view in Tendo, Yamagata. Stop in at Wakamatsu-ji Temple with a special someone for good luck in your romantic ventures!

This particular observation spot is at Jakushouji Temple.

Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring in Obanazawa, Yamagata is one of the places that inspired the artists at Studio Ghibli while they were creating Spirited Away! The old bathhouse is cool and retro enough that you'll like it even if you're not a Ghibli fan.

Tendo Kogen Family Land offers a chance to try making your own soba noodles! Learn all about how it's done, and then eat the fruits of your labor for lunch.

5. Akita (秋田県): Watery Views 

Akita's Lake Tazawa is a popular lake resort, with plenty of hot springs and ski runs not too far away. The Tatsuko Statue brings lots of visitors, though, who want to see the mythical beauty up close. The story goes that instead of granting Tatsuko's wish for beauty, the gods cursed her to be a dragon in the lake. Yikes.

Our friend Tatsuko.

Turn instead to the coast, and you'll find the Jurokurakaniwa (十六羅漢岩), or the 16 rocks of enlightened disciples of Shakyamuni, carved into the rocks along the seashore.

6. Iwate (岩手県): Koiwai Farm

With cattle, sheep, and horses around to admire, Koiwai Farm is a pretty good place to go with the family. Take a ride on the horses, try milking a cow, or make some butter with the fresh milk! For the gourmets in your crew, the farm makes tasty treats from all the dairy they produce.

Relax in the pastoral farmland.

Some choice Koiwai Farm products.

In this cute holstein pattern, you can't help but love their milky ice cream (and share it with the world on instagram, probably).

7. Nagano (長野): Hakuba, Wasabi, and Naraijuku

Winter Olympics host and beloved ski destination, snow delicately blankets the mountains of Hakuba year-round.

"The Alps of Japan" is what many people call the mountains running through Nagano, and with majestic foothills and the countryside aesthetic, it's not too hard to see where the nickname came from. Nagano has lots to offer.

If you want to do something more specific than just enjoying the scenic views, we recommend Takato Castle Site Park and Daio Wasabi Farm. You can also pretend you're an Edo samurai traveling nearby, and stay at Naraijuku, an amazingly well-preserved Edo Period rest stop town.

⇧ Wasabi, wasabi, wasabi, from a topping for rice to a topping for lemonade.

⇦ The Nighttime Cherry Blossoms at Takato Castle Site Park

⇩ Retro? Antique? Naraijuku's centuries-old history adds a lot of flavor.

8. Yamanashi (山梨県): Fuji Shibasakura Festival

You won't be able to miss the towering presence of Mt. Fuji as you drive through Yamanashi, and you can get up close and personal by climbing the mountain between June and September every year.

But getting there a little early, between mid-April and the end of May, won't disappoint either. Eighty-thousand pink "sakura" blooms spread across gardens at the foot of the mountain for the Fuji Shibasakura Festival.

The shibasakura flowers in front of Mt. Fuji.

All prepared and ready to hit the road?

The great thing about renting a car, especially if you tack on an expressway pass, is that it gives you the freedom to go wherever you please. See what you think of all of our recommendations, or plan your trip using everything DoRaPuRa has to offer. With all the information in clear English, you'll be ready to go in no time. Tolls might add up if you don't do a little pre-trip prep, but we've seen how easy it is to avoid those pitfalls as well!

Some more road trip itineraries you might enjoy:

- Kyushu! Sightsee in Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto.
- Explore some of the lesser-known attractions of Kansai.
- Enjoy the natural beauty and excellent udon of Shikoku.

Be sure to look out for more exciting articles every day at JAPANKURU! 

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